When my client said these two words, I knew they would NOT successfully achieve their fat loss goals…
When I meet with a new clients, I do my best to eliminate any pre-conceived notions and start with a blank canvas … to listen with unbiased ears… to hear their story, feel their pain, understand their situation, meet them where they are, and put together a plan that best fits them as a unique individual.
But there are two words that absolutely make me cringe.
When I hear them, a daydream begins to play in my mind – I stand up so explosively that my chair goes flying, I grit my teeth, I point my finger, I stomp my feet, and I storm right out of the room!
Of course, I don’t ACTUALLY do this. However, I DO make a mental note that my client is poised for failure; ultimately facing an uphill battle.
So, what are these two simple little words? What two words make me cringe to no end?
If only…
If only… I liked vegetables.
If only… I had more time.
If only… my spouse supported me.
If only… I enjoyed exercise.
If only… I had a workout partner.
If only… I knew how to cook.
If only… my parents had taught me better.
If only… I lived closer to the gym.
If only… I didn’t have these nagging injuries.
Here’s the ONE “If only” that can bring success . . .
If only… I would take responsibility.
Here’s what I’d like to scream at my new client during that daydream I mentioned earlier… If only you quit making excuses and stopped playing the victim, you would actually make progress, start to believe in yourself, and achieve success!
Sadly, many will never have this epiphany and get on the path to success. Because the constant flurry of “If onlys” will leave you powerless.
When you play the blame game and make excuses for your situation, your obesity, your health problems, your sucky diet, or your muffin top… YOU are guaranteeing your own failure.
In his iconic book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey says it like this . . .
Whenever you find a problem, you will find the finger pointing of blame. Society is addicted to playing the victim … Blaming everything and everyone else for our problems and challenges may be the norm and may provide temporary relief from the pain, but it also chains us to these very problems.
As long as it’s not your fault, you can’t do anything about it.
As Covey said, this thought pattern will only provide temporary relief from your situation. It’s a cry for the easy way out.
It requires nothing of you and might even buy you some pity. And worst of all, this mindset will leave you in the same sad place … for – ev – er.
The Solution!
Take responsibility.
Stop passing the buck and fully embrace your situation.
You’ll experience a twinge of pain (It’s not as bad as you might think), then . . . suddenly . . . you’ll feel a wave of empowerment that washes over you like a refreshing blast of cool water on a scorching hot summer day.
Cue the Rocky music!
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t… you’re right.” -Henry Ford
YOU have inside of you all the power you’ll ever need to change your circumstances and improve your life!
This process can be scary and is certainly challenging. I encourage you to enlist the help of a coach.
Find someone that cares about you enough to be honest and hold you accountable. You’ll be amazed at the power of a teammate!
If “If Onlys” are a problem for you, then here’s my challenge …
Grab a notecard and write this down . . .
I’m through with “if onlys”. I will quit making excuses and playing the victim, and start to actually believe in myself and the power I hold to make changes that I desire in my life!
You may think that sounds like some hokey motivational speaker stuff. Well, for some of you, it’s exactly what you need to read, hear, and absorb.
Write it down on the notecard and read it (aloud if possible) twice in the morning and twice before bed. Program your brain for success and bask in that incredible wave empowerment that will wash over you!
Wrap Up
I hope you haven’t been using these deadly two words yourself. If you haven’t, great! Now you are more aware of how destructive this phrase can be.
The fact of the matter is that most people who are trying to lose weight and get lean need more mindset coaching than actual nutrition coaching. If you realize that you need help and are willing to take a step of faith and trust me, I can help you obtain a body that you’re actually proud.
I’ve started a private Nutrition Coaching group and it’s been getting some fantastic results for our participants. Here’s what one of our best members has to say about it…
This program has given me a much better way to think about food. Before this program I snacked too much, and thought it was only a small amount. (Mindless eating). Also I did not eat enough protein. I am not where I want to be in my weight and inches, but I will continue to use what I am learning. The Challenge guide is very helpful, encouraging, and informative. This is a program I can continue in my life. Clint and Corey made me feel that I can do this and use it every day. Thank you! -Gail W.
Our group is a *CLOSED* group and is only available to our “Challenge 2 Rise” graduates. If you’re interested in learning more about the challenge, click here for more info.
If you want us to notify you when our next Challenge 2 Rise is beginning, fill out the info below!
-Coach Corey
